Primary Teacher

Join the Heart of the Upper Hunter – Primary Teacher Opportunity at St Joseph's Merriwa

St Joseph's Primary School Merriwa is seeking a Temporary Part-Time (0.5FTE) Primary Teacher to join our passionate team in 2026.

Nestled in the picturesque Upper Hunter, Merriwa is a town rich in heritage, community spirit, and natural beauty. Our small, inclusive Catholic school offers a nurturing environment where every child is known, valued, and supported across all dimensions of their development — intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical.

This is your chance to:

• Teach with purpose in a school that values holistic education and connection.
• Be part of a supportive team that celebrates collaboration, creativity, and care.
• Experience the warmth of a rural community where relationships matter and your contribution is truly appreciated.
• Enjoy the lifestyle of the Upper Hunter — fresh air, stunning landscapes, and a welcoming town that feels like home.

Whether you're an experienced educator or early in your teaching journey, if you're passionate about making a difference and embracing the unique joys of rural teaching, we'd love to hear from you.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Teachers in a Catholic school have a unique role to play and are assigned with the task of ensuring each child has the opportunity to grow both academically and spiritually and to live purposeful lives.

• Supported by the Catholic community of which they are a vital part, teachers invite students and their families into a faith-filled educational experience
• Teachers promote the school as a place of learning and excellence where creativity and curiosity are nurtured and students are connected with their world through deep learning and engagement
• Teachers differentiate learning for students according to their educational needs and abilities and are responsible for the creation of effective assessment practices and quality teaching programs

The teacher will promote the school as a place of learning and excellence in accordance with contemporary evidence-based learning and wellbeing principles (including digital learning) and will ensure the ongoing development and implementation of pedagogical practices that impact on student learning outcomes. The teacher will acknowledge and agree to the requirement to work within the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• Ability to articulate a clear understanding of and a personal commitment to Catholic Education and to actively supporting the Catholic ethos and culture of the school. For Primary or Religion Teaching positions you must also be Catholic
• Ability to apply appropriate knowledge in order to plan and prepare contemporary and compliant teaching programs and assessments in your nominated areas which meet the diverse characteristics, needs and learning styles of students; and encourage them to work towards attainment of their potential
• Demonstrated ability to effectively utilise assessment and relevant school data to optimise organisational and educational outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with school staff and members of the wider community in order to establish productive partnerships and achieve educational outcomes
• Demonstrate an innovative and agile mindset that supports and enhances a culture of continuous improvement within the school environment

QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualifications as a four-year trained teacher
• Active NESA Accreditation
• Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number
• Completion of anaphylaxis training
• Completion of CPR training

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary is in accordance with New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement 2023.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US

• Work in quality schools where students are nurtured, challenged and encouraged to excel and grow
• A corporate fitness program through Fitness Passport (T&C's apply)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Training and staff development programs
• Paid parental leave for eligible employees
• Access to long service leave after just five years for eligible employees

TO APPLY

• Provide a cover letter along with your resume
• Within your cover letter address each of the selection criteria as listed under EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA above and ensure your response to each criteria is no longer than 300 words.
• Preferred applicants will be asked to participate in orientation processes, including a formation conversation, following the interview, to introduce them to the local Parish context and the culture of the Catholic school.

Please note, adequately addressing the selection criteria is important for shortlisting.

Applications for this position will be considered if submitted through our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn.

Applications close: Friday 3rd October 2025 at 11.59pm

Additional information

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese's Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese's Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.